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ASPCA Makes Arrests in Two Severe Neglect Cases

[Right] Tinkerbell at intake, and again two months after receiving treatment.

The ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) department has made arrests in two truly shocking cases of neglect.

On February 26, HLE Agents arrested Manhattan resident Peter Morin, 60, over the neglect of his 11-year-old Shih Tzu, Tinkerbell.

Staff at a dog grooming salon knew something was wrong when they met Tinkerbell, so they did the right thing: They called the ASPCA. Our Agents located Morin, who agreed to relinquish Tinkerbell. We rushed her to get the veterinary attention she needed.

At ASPCA Animal Hospital, veterinarians found Tinkerbell to be blind and in pain due to untreated kidney disease. They also found her to have dental disease, hair matting, dried discharge, debris all over her coat and overgrown nails.

Under our care, Tinkerbell has regained some sight and is recovering from her other ailments. She’ll eventually be made available for adoption.

[Below] Biggie upon intake at the ASPCA Hospital, and again on the day of his adoption with his new family.

Just a day after Morin’s arrest, ASPCA Agents arrested Brooklyn resident Marvin Silver, 24. Last April, Silver surrendered his dog, a three-year-old Pit mix named Biggie, to Animal Care & Control of NYC.

At the time, Biggie was just 45.2 pounds and showed signs of neglect. Staff at the shelter alerted the ASPCA to his condition, and we responded right away.

ASPCA veterinarians found Biggie to be weak, emaciated and dehydrated. They concluded he had been starved. Two months after receiving treatment, Biggie’s weight increased to 71.1 pounds—a 57 percent gain. Biggie was adopted February 7 by a Staten Island family.

Both Morin and Silver have been charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. If they are convicted, they face up to a year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

If you suspect you’ve witnessed animal abuse or neglect, please report it. You may just save a life.